The best way to catch a sneeze

Written By The Good Housekeeping Web team | 24 November 2016

So you don't spread your germs.

Sneezing is the body's natural reflex to an invader, from pollen, to cat hair or a virus like the common cold. But no matter the cause, your sneezes spread germs, and it's best to catch them the correct way to prevent spreading illness. Luckily, researchers at Texas A&M University Health Science Centerhave tested out the best way to catch a sneeze. Here's what they found:

1. No hands

Sneezing with no hands won't just embarrass your parents, it'll likely shoot germs over 10 feet to other surfaces, where they can live for weeks until someone comes in contact with them. It makes you rethink grabbing that subway rail or grabbing magazines in a waiting room. So be sure to have some antibacterial wipes handy.

2. Using your hands

While this is a good way to keep germs from spraying all over the place, it's almost counterproductive if you don't scrub your hands clean afterwards. Sneezing in your hands is a good way to spread germs to your computer, phone, doorknobs – or someone else if you shake their hand.

If you catch yourself using your hands to barricade the germs, be sure towash your hands with soap, friction and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Using hand sanitiser doesn't substitute for good old hand washing.

3. Using your sleeve – The 'vampire' method

Using your sleeve is a good way to cover your sneeze with smaller risks of contamination. Although it isn't the best way to keep germs from traveling, some experts suggest it is better than using your hands because you are less likely to touch surfaces or other people with your sleeve than you are with your hands. Just be sure to cover your nose and mouth.

4. A tissue

If your allergies have been acting up, or if you're battling the flu or a cold, then you may want to keep some tissues nearby, if not for your sake, then for everyone else's. Using – and then throwing away– a tissue is the best way to keep germs from spreading like wildfire. But be sure to wash your hands afterwards for good measure.

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